Giant
ATX 990
Bike 1998 or Older

Product Description

User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
Tim
from Cumming, Georgia USA

Date Reviewed: October 2, 2005

Strengths: Strong frameset, reliable

Weaknesses: Rear shock hardware

Bottom Line:

I've had this bike since 1998 when I bought it new and it still works great. The only problem I had was the rear shock hardware broke after 5 years and I couldn't order new parts. Noleen went out of business and Giant didn't support the bike after 5 years. My LBS ordered new hardware and a rear air shock from Risse Racing, who makes hardware for old bikes.

My Santa Cruz is what I take out regularly but the ATX 990 is still a great bike considering its age. You can find them really cheap now occassionaly on ebay so get one if you want a quality FS bike as a backup or loner.

Submitted by
Jay Farbowich
a Cross Country Rider
from HaAnafa St. Gilo Jerusalem Israel

Date Reviewed: August 11, 2002

Strengths: Fairly Light weight frame. Strong and resilent on rough trail. Upgradable parts to XT, XTR, and White Bros springs for better Front Shock performance. Back shock simple but effective. Approx 3 inch front and back travel good for trail and cross country but not a free ride or downhill bike. Strong pivot placements seldom loosen and if it does it is very slight. Other LX parts reliable.

Weaknesses: Lateral flex in back was corrected by two light weight after market U joints. Gear shifters were replaced for Shimano XT rapid fire because the first Scram shifters were clunkers.

Bottom Line:

With the upgrades and care the bike still rides strong. Sitting down there is no bob but standing there is slight bob when the gear is low. The bike is four bar suspension and active even when braking. The stink bug effect was eliminated by placing two U joints on the rear stays to prevent lateral flex. White bros springs and a dialed in rebound to my body weight soaks up most trail obstacles with ease and comfort. The straight bar allows good position to attack hills and the bike's potential is limited to my abilities and daring. The rear shock has been very reliable over the years. I like it and it gets me home.

I was suprised when I first rode this bike. I was concerned with all of the horror stories you hear regarding full suspension. I have yet to encounter any of the major drawbacks that come with full suspension. I bought this bike in CA and it performed admirably. But this bike really shined when I brought it back east. This bike ate up the rock and root on the trails in my local area. I have nothing but good things to say about it. May I quote Ferris Beuller by saying, "If you have the means to obtain one, I highly recommend it. It's so choice."

Weaknesses: Pivots regularly squeakyExtreme lateral flex in pivots after 1 years useLX hubs are crap!!! (my old STX hubs are much better)Heavy bike- not strong enough for downhill or light/racey enough for XC

Bottom Line:

This bike is really not worth the trouble. Used to ride a lot more when I had my hardtail. It is a very problematic bike, after about I year everything goes wrong and it spends more time in the shop than out on the trails. Don't buy this bike for Downhill, maybe for XC if you get light components..It runs well when it's straight back from the shop, or new...but after a while it gets on your nerves, and the pivots are piss poor.. I'll give it two chillies, because it was good once..

Strengths: Sturdy designCan be used as a DH or XC bike (no matter what Jerry tells You)

Bottom Line:

This bike is NOT stock, I had some new travel plates machined to give me 6' instead of the standard 4.5', and got the headtube gusseted, so now it's more a DH machine like my Element that got stolen.I've gone back to this design after testing out heaps of bikes and I still think it's the best type out there (don't buy an LTS, they bend and break!). And the bike you get for your money is pretty impressive.

Weaknesses: lateral flex in the rear;not active under braking;blew out 2 rear shocks!

Bottom Line:

The ATX 990 is a great all purpose X-country rig, but don;t try to make it something it's not( like a freeride type bike). It climbs well and descendspretty good too. I've ridden other Dual rigs and they can be sluggish; not the Giant.But I don't think I'd buy it again.